Suburb unveils plan for 2 Wolves rinks

May 28, 2003|By Dan Mihalopoulos, Tribune staff reporter.

The Chicago Wolves would pay $300,000 a year to practice on two new ice rinks and set up offices in Blackhawk Community Center after renovations, according to a tentative agreement between the minor-league pro hockey team and the Hoffman Estates Park District.

Draft plans call for a $4 million expansion of the community center at 1685 W. Higgins Rd. and an $8 million ice skating complex to be built at the adjacent Blackhawk Park.

A feasibility study conducted for the Park District projected the facility would turn a profit immediately, with or without the Wolves. The Wolves play their American Hockey League home games in Allstate Arena in Rosemont, but the team has been looking for a new training facility.

"There are some other options, but at the end of the day this is the deal we would like to see happen," said Wolves general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. "We think this is the best fit for all parties."

The Wolves and the Park District have orally agreed to a 15-year contract. It would allow the Wolves to practice on the new pro-size ice rinks, although most of the ice time would be dedicated to open skating and public programs.

Park District officials stressed that no agreement has been signed. They will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the community center to unveil plans.

"This is not a done deal," said Sue Olafson, Park District spokeswoman.

"We are waiting to hear from the public."

The Park District released more details of the plan Tuesday, after the owners of homes near Blackhawk Park complained that officials were being secretive about the proposal.

Under the agreement, the Park District would build 8,500 square feet of offices and locker rooms for the Wolves.

The team would work with the Park District to provide community programs, including a youth hockey program.

The ice sports complex "will be financially self-sustaining" and would not require a property-tax increase, according to the study.

Even without the payments from the Wolves, the study predicted revenue would exceed expenses by almost $55,000 in the first year and $190,000 by the third year.

Officials said the rinks could pump $1 million a year into the local economy, with families visiting the northwest suburbs to attend Wolves summer camps.